The Works of Lord Byron Volume I Part 68

EGOTISM. A LETTER TO J. T. BECHER. [1]

[Greek: Heauton bur_on aeidei.]

1.

If Fate should seal my Death to-morrow, (Though much _I_ hope she will _postpone_ it,) I've held a share _Joy_ and _Sorrow_, Enough for _Ten_; and _here_ I _own_ it.

2.

I've lived, as many others live, And yet, I think, with more enjoyment; For could I through my days again live, I'd pa.s.s them in the 'same' employment.

3.

That 'is' to say, with 'some exception', For though I will not make confession, I've seen too much of man's deception Ever again to trust profession.

4.

Some sage 'Mammas' with gesture haughty, p.r.o.nounce me quite a youthful Sinner-- But 'Daughters' say, "although he's naughty, You must not check a 'Young Beginner'!"

5.

I've loved, and many damsels know it-- But whom I don't intend to mention, As 'certain stanzas' also show it, 'Some' say 'deserving Reprehension'.

6.

Some ancient Dames, of virtue fiery, (Unless Report does much belie them,) Have lately made a sharp Enquiry, And much it 'grieves' me to 'deny' them.

7.

Two whom I lov'd had 'eyes' of 'Blue', To which I hope you've no objection; The 'Rest' had eyes of 'darker Hue'-- Each Nymph, of course, was 'all perfection'.

8.

But here I'll close my 'chaste' Description, Nor say the deeds of animosity; For 'silence' is the best prescription, To 'physic' idle curiosity.

9.

Of 'Friends' I've known a 'goodly Hundred'-- For finding 'one' in each acquaintance, By 'some deceived', by others plunder'd, 'Friendship', to me, was not 'Repentance'.

10.

At 'School' I thought like other 'Children'; Instead of 'Brains', a fine Ingredient, 'Romance', my 'youthful Head bewildering', To 'Sense' had made me disobedient.

11.

A victim, 'nearly' from affection, To certain 'very precious scheming', The still remaining recollection Has 'cured' my 'boyish soul' of 'Dreaming'.

12.

By Heaven! I rather would forswear The Earth, and all the joys reserved me, Than dare again the 'specious Snare', From which 'my Fate' and 'Heaven preserved' me.

13.

Still I possess some Friends who love me-- In each a much esteemed and true one; The Wealth of Worlds shall never move me To quit their Friendship, for a new one.

14.

But Becher! you're a 'reverend pastor', Now take it in consideration, Whether for penance I should fast, or Pray for my 'sins' in expiation.

15.

I own myself the child of 'Folly', But not so wicked as they make me-- I soon must die of melancholy, If 'Female' smiles should e'er forsake me.

16.

'Philosophers' have 'never doubted', That 'Ladies' Lips' were made for 'kisses!'

For 'Love!' I could not live without it, For such a 'cursed' place as 'This is'.

17.